The neurologist lamented that in the last decade, majority of global health funding has been allocated to vertical programmes targeting HIV/AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis.

He said: “Funding commitments from domestic governments, international donors, non-government organisations, industry, and private philanthropists will be critical to increasing access to anti-epileptic medications and building capacity in human resources for epilepsy care in sub-Saharan Africa.”

Danesi said the future of epilepsy treatment in sub-Saharan Africa would remain challenging without proper funding because about 90 per cent of persons with epilepsy are in the developing world.

“Recent studies in developed and developing countries have shown that up to 70 per cent of newly diagnosed children and adults with epilepsy can be successfully treated with anti-epileptic drugs.

“However, around 85 per cent may not receive any treatment at all. As a consequence, they experience morbidity related to seizures and the psychosocial consequences of stigma and discrimination.”

Danesi observed that the problem of epilepsy is particularly compounded in areas where patients with the disease do not have access to physicians and neurologists, especially where diagnostic methods may not be available.

Prof Kayode Oyediran, who spoke on behalf of the Benjamin Oluwakayode Osuntokun Trust, said:” This is a special occasion, because this is the first time the lecture will be held at the auditorium named after the late Prof Osuntokun.

Oyediran praised the UCH management for honouring his memory by naming the auditorium after him.